Burglar Proof Windows: How to Keep Your Home Safe and Sound

Are you ready for a scary statistic? More than 3,060 homes are burglarized in the US daily. Luckily, most of the robberies occur when nobody is home. Still, having strangers enter your property and steal your belongings is incredibly traumatizing, and the consequences can haunt you for years.

The good news? You don’t have to be one of the potential victims. A few simple changes, especially when it comes to the security of your windows and doors, can give you peace of mind.

So, what can you do? Let’s discuss this. Most burglars get into a house through doors or windows. In 23% of home burglaries, the burglars enter through a window. And you know what? That means that by hardening up your defenses and making your windows less appealing targets, you are reducing your potential of being a victim.

Ready for some actionable tips? Let’s dive into easy ways to burglar proof windowsand protect your home. In this guide, you’ll discover essentials that will help you burglar proof windows in the following ways:

• Upgrading existing windows to make them safer
• Choosing the toughest type of glass for your new windows
• Doing landscaping changes that reduce the likelihood of a break-in
• Employing clever lifestyle strategies to keep criminals from entering your property

1. Home Windows Security: Use Those Locks

Yes, it’s common sense, and most of us are very good about closing and locking our windows when we will be away from home for a long time. Where we tend to slip up is when we are just making a quick 20-minute run to pick the kids up or grab a cup of coffee. The fact is that most burglaries occur during the day, and burglars are quick. They need only 8-10 minutes to ransack your home and be gone. Avoid complacency and take the extra time to burglar-proof windows throughout your home.

Get in the habit of using those locks, even if you’re leaving home for half an hour. Secure your windows with those locks as a first line of defense. Often, you wouldn’t need a more complicated system to get good results.

It may be a good idea to start using those locks at night, as well. While leaving windows open to enjoy the breeze may sound enticing, that could be a potentially dangerous practice for those living on the first floor. 

2. Install Secondary Locks That Are Visible from the Outside

Your windows may not have locks, or the locks may not be very sturdy. In this case, simply add your own secondary locks or window bars to make your home safe.

There are pin locks, regular latches, and several other styles of window locks that work with everything from casement windows to double-hung windows to sliding windows. Choose the one designed for your particular type of window. Not sure how to install it? You have two options when it comes to burglar proof windows and doors. The first choice is to watch tutorials and embrace the DIY approach. Alternatively, hire professionals to install locks and ensure high security.

3. Update Your Landscaping

Do you remember that time you were learning to ride a bike and you ended up crashing into the rosebush? None of us voluntarily crawls through dense rosebushes or other prickly vegetation – burglars included.

Proper inhospitable landscaping near first-story windows can be a deterrent – just make sure that it is trimmed and that it won’t provide a welcome source of concealment for a would-be burglar.

Tall trees close to the home can be used as ladders to second-story windows, so keep that in mind when choosing your landscaping. Existing architecture and the landscape should work together to make a potential break-in much more difficult.

4. Prioritize Pre-Laminated Glass

Burglars prefer a quiet mode of entry, but sometimes they are still willing to risk the noise of breaking a window to get in. What they aren’t willing to do is continue repeatedly hitting a window long enough to break through the highly resistant pre-laminated glass.

If you are due to replace your windows, consider asking for a quote on upgrading the type of glass in the new windows. Pre-laminated glass offers excellent protection against burglars. The film can make windows capable of withstanding heavy blows, not allowing any intruder inside your home.

5. Apply Break-Resistant Film to Enjoy Safe Windows

Are you stuck with regular window glass and no plans for replacing the window in the near future? It’s okay – you too can make your existing windows protective by having an extra layer of protection integrated into the existing structure of the window.

Impact-resistant window film added to the interior maximizes the strength of your glass windows and makes it impossible for burglars to break the glass. This film is applied much like a window tint, and it functions similarly to pre-laminated glass. Your windows will be many times stronger and harder for a burglar to break.

6. Use an Alarm System That Detects Broken Glass

Home alarm systems have come down in price, and studies have confirmed their effectiveness as a crime deterrent.

To maximize your benefits, opt for a modern security window system that includes cameras and motion sensors. It should have the ability to detect broken glass. The other important factor in this equation? You and your family. A home security system is only effective if it is actually armed and utilized. Consistency is key. Make arming the system part of your routine whenever you leave your home and at bedtime.

7. Close Blinds or Curtains

Open blinds or curtains are a window-shopping invitation to criminals. All they have to do is peep in to see what valuables you have lying around, if anyone is home, and even if your security system is armed or not. Make it harder for them to spy through a window or door by closing the blinds or at least angling them to obstruct the view from outside.

8. Leave an Inside Light on

Let your windows work for you by using them to send a potential burglar signal that someone is home and awake. After closing your blinds most of the way, turn on a light that is visible from the window.

Many burglars are opportunists, and they are drawn to homes that are easy, “soft targets.” Just the simple act of leaving a light on may be enough to deter the burglar.

How to Secure Windows from Break-Ins: Let’s Talk About Your Next Steps!

Now it’s time to take action – follow up on these tips and be proactive. Develop a plan, then take steps to burglar proof your windows so you can deter criminals from breaking into your home. Whether you’re thinking of buying security glass, laminated glass, or an entire home safety system, make sure you follow through consistently with the integration.

We can help you out if you need guidance and feel confused by the choices. Contact us to discuss additional security measures and possibilities to upgrade your doors and windows.